Shillong, July 27: Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday distributed free hearing aids at the state resource centre in Shillong Civil Hospital under the banner ‘Empowering Voices, Embracing Inclusivity’.
Addressing the gathering, Paul said beyond the hearing impairment, the society needs to improve the capacity of listening to others.
He gave examples of great personalities to convey the message that physical barriers should not come in the way of excellence.
In her keynote address, ENT specialist Dr (Mrs) B Lyngdoh said that in the last five years, they have examined 79,648 ENT related cases.
She said out of this, the cases of ear-related disorder are 39,437 and there are 30,974 throat disorder cases. The cases of nose disorder are 9,263.
Audiologist & speech therapist Jermica Pyrbot and Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities SB Marak said that the number of persons using Unique Disability IDs has come down indicating reduction in number of ear-related cases.
The first camp for distribution of hearing aids was held in 2021.
Dr Suman Kumar, HoD Speech Language Pathology, Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities said normal people using modern gadgets on ears, affect their hearing capacity and cautioned people to reduce dependence on ear phones and other equipment.
Additional Director of Health Services (SS) Dr (Mrs) FV Kharshiing also spoke.
The members of inclusive music school performed on the occasion.
